Moving to a Better Future – One Arm at a Time

As we move forward, I have realized how much we have changed for the better in one year.  Last year at this time we were still on total lockdown.  No public masses, no public communion and only outdoor confessions.  We barely left our houses out of fear of the pandemic.   How much has changed since that time.

Today we have been informed by Bishop Weisenburger that regular unrestricted masses will begin on the Feast of Pentecost.   This means the end of reservations, opening up of closed pews and no social distancing for all who are fully vaccinated.  We will still offer one mass with full Covid protocols at 5:30 pm on Saturdays (formally the 6 pm mass) for all who are still worried about crowds or who are not fully vaccinated.  

We have come a long way and I believe we will continue to have progress.  However, if we want to get to the finish line, we must get vaccinated.  That’s the bottom line.  At Most Holy Trinity we are now putting this belief into action by collaborating with the Pima County Health Department and the diocese to offer vaccines here at the church.  On May 23rd, and June 20th from 11 am until 2 pm, vaccines will be offered for all who need to receive one.  As with all the vaccinations, these vaccines are free.

Who can get the vaccine at this clinic?

Age: Adults 18+   Type: Moderna

If you want to ask, why should I receive a vaccine, look no further than January when the state and nation was going through a catastrophic level of infections and death.  I knew of few people who were not terrified they would be next.   Today, we see a dramatic difference because of the vaccinations in Pima Country.  Infections are below 100 per day with few deaths.  As of this letter the CDC has announced that all who are fully vaccinated do not need to use masks either outside or inside.  Fantastic news because people did their part.

National vaccine campaigns are not new.  The one vaccine that most impressed me as a child was the Polio campaign.  The entire community came to support each other and beat down that terrible disease.  It worked amazingly well.  It worked because everyone participated for love of family and country.  We can do that again and we should.  

Sadly, some folks have been seduced by crazy rumors and conspiracy theories about the vaccine.  Some think it is important to make a political statement.  How utterly sad.  Our church, under Pope Francis’ guidance is making it crystal clear that vaccination is more than a personal safety measure to protect family and friends.  Pope Francis has declared it a moral imperative and a human right that all people receive the vaccine.   

This vaccination clinic will help many of our friends receive these lifesaving vaccines.  It will make their lives and your life safer as we move forward toward normalcy.   On the other side of this letter is more information on the vaccination clinic at MHT.

Yours in the Savior,
Fr. Tom